TRAVELLERS have taken over yet another Oxfordshire car park leaving it blocked to the public.

Abingdon taxi driver Colin Dobson said he counted 36 caravans taking up both the commercial and public car park at Rye Farm in the town yesterday afternoon.

Vale of White Horse District Council, who own the Culham Road car park which is listed as having 130 spaces, confirmed they were aware of the situation.

A spokesman said: “This is a council-owned public car park and we are liaising with Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police on this matter.

"The car park is currently out of use and drivers can use other car parks available nearby.”

Oxford Mail:

Caravans at Rye Farm car park in Abingdon. Picture by Colin Dobson.

It is the latest in a string of occupations by travellers in the county, often with a trail of mess and destruction left in their wake.

Most recently rubbish including bin bags, pots and gas bottles were abandoned by a group who left the Bicester park and ride on Tuesday.

It had been occupied by the group of about 50 caravans and vehicles which pitched up on Thursday, February 22.

It appears it was the same group of travellers who were threatened with legal action for taking over Pear Tree Park and Ride on the Oxford Northern Bypass previously.

It is unknown whether this is the same group who have now turned up in Abingdon.